BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sharply criticised India for providing refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing the neighbouring country of violating its democratic principles.
Fakhrul made these remarks on Tuesday (20 August) while paying tribute at the grave of former president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. He was accompanied by the BNP’s newly appointed Standing Committee members, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.
Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina, whom he described as a "fascist", fled Bangladesh amidst the student-led public uprising that culminated in her ousting on 5 August.
He expressed his disappointment that India, a neighbouring nation, has offered her sanctuary, claiming that from her safe haven, Hasina is now conspiring to undermine Bangladesh's victory.
Highlighting the severe consequences of her 15-year tenure, Fakhrul accused Hasina of weakening the country's independence, burdening the nation with debt amounting to 18 trillion BDT, and overseeing the embezzlement of nearly $100 billion. He insisted that the people of Bangladesh do not view her crimes lightly.
In his address, Fakhrul urged the Indian government to respect the rule of law by extraditing Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, allowing her to face justice for her alleged crimes.
Regarding the ongoing situation in the country, Fakhrul noted that the current government, born out of the student-led revolution, is tasked with transferring power to a democratic government through elections. He acknowledged that the process of rectifying the damage left by the previous Awami League government would take time, but expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh would grant the necessary period for this transition.
Fakhrul also commended the current government, which has been in power for just 11 days, for its admirable efforts, particularly in the administration of justice following the numerous legal cases filed across the country after the fall of the previous regime.
